Dec 3, 2012

And Now For The Good News!

Remember Elaine from Seinfeld? LOL

Before you get any ideas... No, I do not dance like that!!  But I have been doing a happy dance...

Why, you might ask?  Because right before Thanksgiving, I was offered a new job!  That's right... after 2½ years, hundreds of resumes sent out, half a dozen interviews later... I've found a full time job with better pay.  Woo Hoo!!

The worst part of this experience so far was giving my employer of 15 years notice.  Ironically, my last day was the same day I started... my 15 year anniversary.  Surprisingly, the people I told reacted totally different than I expected.  The last two weeks went fairly well.  Most of my coworkers were happy for me.  I received quite a few emails from clients wishing me well and telling me how much they've enjoyed working with me, which was nice to hear.  The ladies I worked close with took me out to lunch, and my performance coach brought in a pizza-size chocolate chip cookie treat that said "Good Luck".  He said he truly didn't blame me for leaving the company.  Let's just say morale hasn't been the best since the old firm was acquired by a much larger one.

I didn't realize until after I left my old job last Friday how much animosity and dissatisfaction I'd been harboring toward the company. It seemed like it all was lifted when I walked out the door for the last time as an employee. I will definitely will miss those I worked closest with. The worries about when/if I was going to lose my job due to future changes in the pipeline I am not going to miss. I will also not miss sitting around twiddling my thumbs and wasting the degrees I've spent thousands on because that employer didn't seem to care about putting my skills to good use.


Today I started my new job!  A full time job with good benefits -and- much better pay.  I had a good first day!  Most of it was spent doing orientation and meeting lots of new faces... none of whom I remember, lol.  I first applied at this company over a year and a half ago...  didn't get the staff accountant job that time.  When I saw they had another opening, I applied again.  Why?  Because when I was there the first time, I was able to observe employees and got a good feeling about the place.  Both HR and the comptroller talked about how the company still had a "family feeling" to it even though they have approximately 1000 personnel nationwide.  When I interviewed this time around, I got the same vibes I did the first time.  Employees seemed happy and were very friendly not only to strangers (me), but to each other.  Employees have told me what a fun place it is to work at.  I'm hoping this is true!  Tomorrow is a "food" day... one of the vendors is catering in something called a pasta crock with garlic bread for lunch.  Several employees pointed this out of me today, lol.

COOKING
Last week, I decided to make an Italian Roasted Chicken.  I've made this a few times before and it's soooo good.


After the BF and I devoured it (not in one sitting, mind you), I made chicken and rice soup in the crockpot.  I had enough soup for like 4 meals!

TREASURE HUNTING
One of the local thrift stores had a sale on books.  I picked up quite a few.... for only $1.80!


STITCHY STUFF
See the frog dancing?  Know why he's so happy?  Because he spent a good amount of time at my house this past weekend!

 
I worked on Sampler aux Bouquets II and I frogged the tree medallion.  And I frogged it again, and again, and again!  Ugh.  I finally finished it and moved onto another section.  So far, so good... no frogging.  Here's what it looked like before:
 
And now:
 
I also finished my 3rd ornament for an exchange.  Once it arrives at it's new home, I'll be able to show a pic of it.  I told Glenda (the recipient) the postal clerk had to pry it from my fingers because I wanted to keep it, lol.
 
I received a really pretty ornament from Chris in the SNS2 Ornament Exchange.  I don't think the photo does it justice...

The white on the ornament is actually beading.  So pretty!

 
I also received an ornament (two actually!) from the CSE Ornament exchange from Lori.
 
Cute little birdies
 
Until next time,
 
 


56 comments:

OctoberLace said...

Congrats on the new job! It looks like 2012 is ending on a high note for you.

Katie said...

Wohoo!!! So glad to hear your good news finally. I hope it continues to be a great change for you.

Your stitching is gorgeous as always. Love the ornies.

Faith... said...

So glad you had a great first day! Hope they are all that wonderful. The ornament from Chris is beautiful, as are the ones from Lori. Hope that frog is gone for GOOD! :)

Berly said...

The ornaments are beautiful! Congratulations on 'lifting' your spirits! You'll love the new job!

Wendy said...

Congratulations on the new job, Meari! So happy for you! I rarely comment, but I do follow your blog and have been awaiting your good news! As always, beautiful stitching!

Gillie said...

Congratulations! Hope all goes really well for you, Meari!

Anne Sans Tete said...

Beautiful ornies you received!

Congrats on the new job! How exciting! I hope it continues to be as pleasant as it seems now.

- Lisa N.

EvalinaMaria said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Oh, dear Meari - I'm dancing with you. Good luck with new job. Stitching is lovely as always. You know, you are the master!

Sunshine said...

Congrats on your new job!!!! Sorry about the frog, just don't send him my way... LOL!!!! :)

Nancy said...

Congratulations on the new job!! Your chicken looks Yummy!! Sorry the frogs came to visit. I haven't had time to even stitch so the frogs are not visiting me right now. And your exchange ornaments are very pretty.

CatsnCorgis said...

Meari,
Deepest congratulations on the new job! That's awesome.
Sally

Vicky L said...

Congratulations on your new job! So happy for you. I am sorry the frog has been visiting you. Your ornaments look beautiful.

Unknown said...

So happy for you in your new job Meari . Lovely delicious looking chicken. Love the ornies you received and as always your stitching is gorgeous.

Kay said...

Congrats on the new job!!!! I can tell you are excited! I love your stitching and all the goodies you got as well. Congrats again, it is so well deserved! Have a great week!

Mouse said...

WAHHHHH HOOOOOOOO .. see this mouse wiggle for you .. congratulations on your new job :)

love your wee gifties too ... and your sampler is beautiful sorry about the frog though :(
take care and happy stitching :) love mouse xxxxx

*-* said...


I wish loads of contentment in your new position. It sounds like a great place to work.
Your stitching update looks beautiful.
Lucky you, to receive such beautiful ornaments, I'd be so thrilled to have such pieces. I do love exchanges, they are a exciting to plan & stitch & when they arrive.
Kay.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new job, Meari! I wish you a long and happy relationship with this company.

Tobie in So. Cal.

cucki said...

Congrats on the new job..super sweet stitching xx

Chris said...

Whooohooo! Congratulations on the new job! That is wonderful.
I love the dancing frog too, so sorry that he came to visit.
The ornaments that you have received are just lovely.
Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

congrats on the new job Meari !!! Do your dance girl!!!!!!!

Angie P in GA

Ruth said...

Congrads on the new job. Hope you will be very happy there. The ornaments are beautiful. Glad froggy left you. Have a great holiday.

Ruthie

Patty C. said...

Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new job Meari! That is truly Happy Dance worthy news!

I love the ornies you received in your exchanges. Now I hope that frog of yours is done with his/her dance.

Tara

Carol said...

I had a feeling that's what your "good news" might be! I'm so, so happy for you, Meari-you worked very hard for that degree of yours and it will finally pay off. The new company sounds great and good morale is worth so much... Congratulations!!!

I hope you'll still find time to stitch with your new job--everything looks beautiful :)

Mary said...

Congratulations on your new job Meari. Your goodies from the exchange are really beautiful.

Emily in NC said...

Congrats on the new less stressful job. Like all the ornaments.

Pam in IL said...

Adorable ornies you received! Even though the frog is happy dancin', it looks like you still made some good progress on "Bouquets".

Congrats on the new job!!!

Sue said...

I am soooooo happy for you about the new job; but you already knew that...LOL.........!! I can hear the relief already in your voice. This will truly be a new year, new job, and new friends!

The chicken absolutely looks scrumptious; and I love homemade chicken noodle soup.

Your Jardin Prive is looking fabulous, even if the frog did pay you a visit!

Hugs,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Hi Meari,
Ughhh...I missed your post????

Anyway Congratulations on your new job! It sounds like it was meant to be. I am doing the happy dance with you. (not like Elaine)LOL

The Italian Roasted Chicken looks delicious. Leftovers are the best part.

Looks like you will be spending some time reading some good books. You always fund the good treasures.

Go AWAY frog and leave Meari alone! Hope he doesn't return.

the tree medallion turned out nice.

What beautiful exchanges you received the stitching on all three are nicely done.

Hugs!









Sharon said...

That's awesome Meari! Congratulations!

valerie said...

Congratulations on the new job! How exciting. It's wonderful to start in a new place where you feel people really liek their job. I'd be happy dancing too. Sorry to hear about the frog...glad you shooed him away. Your roasted chicken looks delicious!

Nancy M said...

I think my 2nd guess was a job....congrats! I could make more money working as an RDH, instead of working for an orthodontist, but I love the people I work with and that really makes a difference. Hope you have that kind of experience. All your stitching and exchanges look great!

Anonymous said...

Oh Meari!

I'm very happy to hear things are going well.

Christine

CJ said...

Hi Meari -

Congrats on the new job. love your new ornaments.

Happy Holidays!!

CJ

Anonymous said...

Congradulations on the new job and I know just what you mean how you felt when you walked out of your old job I worked 23 years at a job and the last ten years after Siemens bought it I hated it I walked out of there and went to Honda for 20 years and loved every day of going to work oh yes and Siemens shut that plant down about 10 years after I left and moved it to Mexico best decesion I made twice as much in pension and benefits all Siemens did for me was make me leave Good luck and I am so glad for you

Sincerely Kathy

mab3500 said...

Congratulations on your new job! Beautiful progress and such lovely ornaments.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new job and hope that you will be happy in the new place.

Lovely ornaments.

Marl

Joy said...

Happy dance away...you deserve it!! I am just thrilled for you Meari and wish you the very best!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new job, finishing the old one and getting your feet wet at your new location. Hope all goes smooth and the family atmosphere prevails.

Yummy chicken and now soup....

Sorry the frog has been to your house. The project is really coming along. Love your new exchange ornaments. Chris did a wonderful job with the one she made.

Rest up and have a great week.
HUGS, Dee in Tn

DUSTY said...

Congrats and good luck with the new job !! Stitching looks g rest !!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Meari, a new job is quite the Christmas gift!

Congratulations on your new venture. I hope it turns out to be as warm and friendly as you hope. Working environment is nearly everything.

Deborah in Central Indiana

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the new job!!!! Sampler aux Bouquet is gorgeous!!!! Sorry the frog just wouldn't leave you be. The ornament you received is beautiful. The ornaments you stitched are beautiful too.
Betty in AZ (ILCS)

Patty said...

Congratulations on your new job! I hope that you'll be very happy there and will be a place you can retire from. You're sampler is so pretty - just love all the different pieces to it. You're ornaments are really cute cute cute!

PattyS

Nima said...

congrats on new job, your birdie ornament is so cute

rosey175 said...

Woohoo, congrats on the new job! I'm glad you've found something with wonderful vibes and happy co-workers! (!!!)

Sux that the frog came to happy dance with you though but the sampler is looking beautiful! And those little robins are adorable; what a fun ornament exchange!

Anonymous said...

oh good job on the new job...lol... .congratulations .

sharyn

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new job! Oh boy have I been there, and I truly understand the joy and excitement you're feeling right now. I'm so glad for you.

I was really pleased to see Seabiscuit in your stack of books that you found - that was my favorite read of the year when I got to enjoy it myself, and remains one of my favorites.

Your stitching, as always, is marvelous - I'm sorry the frog stayed with you so long, but perhaps he won't visit for a while now.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new job, Meari! A better environment, and better pay, too! Wonderful news! I'm so happy for you!

Betty W

glenda said...

Way to go on the new job!!! So nice that you will be able to use your degree and hopefully enjoy your workplace for a change. I think the frog has a twin..because it's been at my house and is driving me insane!! I'll let you know as soon as the ornament arrives :)

Anonymous said...

Meari -

Congrats on the new job!!! Your stitching looks great! Congrats on the finishes! I am sure that the reciepiants will enjoy them.

Marge

Anne said...

YAY!!! Big happy dance for you! I love dancing like Elaine! It's so hilarious. So glad you found a better job with better pay and a good environment. Many best wishes to you!!! Oooh, kick that frog outta your house Meari! I hate that when one area on a design tends to give the most problems. Hopefully that won't happen again.

Beautiful ornament you stitched! Love the biscornu and the beading! Those birds are darling too!

Irene said...

Congrats on the new job Meari! I worked for 9 years at a job I loved as office admin for a real estate firm, only to have a big life change, marriage, new town, and new job etc. I lasted 10 months on the job here and ended up getting yelled at by the lady boss once too often, grabbed my purse and coat and I was gone. I too felt such major relief walking out the door but couldn't work for a bully any longer. I had never walked off a job in my life and took me a while to get over the guilt, however things are great now. No job yet, but I know when one door closes, another opens that will be better! I know my blood pressure is thanking me lol! Love your site!

Anonymous said...

Meari, congratulations on the new job!

Anita

Anonymous said...

YAY Meari!!! Congratulations on your new job! I hope it works out well for you. :) All of your stitching looks great.

Karin in CA

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new job, finishing the old one and getting your feet wet at your new location. Hope all goes smooth and the family atmosphere prevails.

Yummy chicken and now soup....

Sorry the frog has been to your house. The project is really coming along. Love your new exchange ornaments. Chris did a wonderful job with the one she made.

Rest up and have a great week.
HUGS, Dee in Tn

Vickie said...

Glad the frog left my house and visited yours! He drove me nuts!! Glad you like your new job...stitching looks wonderful!